This year the Detroit Free Press /Flagstar Bank Marathon has opened its doors to help a number of Charitable organizations in the Detroit area. Since 1982, the marathon has primarily focused on its partnership with Multiple Sclerosis.  Runners now have the opportunity to raise funds and run for MS, American Diabetes, the Arthritis Foundation, Freedom Swings and Metropolitan United Methodist Church as listed on the entry forms. 

It is an uplifting feeling to be in the middle of the race and realize that you are running for someone other than yourself. It's as if a whole sea of people are sending you positive energy.  Today, I'm encouraging you to check one of the charity boxes on your form and give yourself a boost that no energy bar can provide. To help you, I'm providing background on these organizations that need your support.

American Diabetes Association (ADA):  The TEAM Diabetes first got involved with the marathon by organizing a Relay Exchange Station and development manager Mary Riegle used this as an excuse to run the marathon herself. The event helps gain exposure for diabetes research and education programs.  Michigan has the sixth highest incidence of diabetes in the country and the Association wants people to learn more about the warning signs of this disease, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent and/or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. In Michigan there are over 707,000 adults and 6,100 children with diabetes, and a third of the adults remain undiagnosed.

Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness. Ten percent of all individuals with diabetes develop kidney disease and are two-to-four times more likely to have heart and vascular disease. Also individuals with diabetes are two-to-six times more likely to have a stroke and it's the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations. Up to seventy percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe nerve damage.

The TEAM Diabetes Marathon Training Program is the second largest fundraising event in the state of Michigan.  TEAM Diabetes has raised over $500,000 in the past three years and has successfully trained over 100 participants across the state. 

Arthritis Foundation: Has joined the marathon through its Joints in Motion program. Almost 80% of runners and walkers that join the program have never done a marathon but almost all of them cross the finish line by taking part in its 20 week coaching program.

There are 100 forms of arthritis and nearly 43 million Americans and 300,000 children have it. It's the nations number one cause of disability.

Freedom Swings: In 1999, the Moriarty family traveled to Russia to adopt twins from an orphanage.  While there, they had the opportunity to tour four orphanages.  Their older children wanted to adopt them all.  It wasn't practical so they vowed not to forget the children left behind. (Only 1/100 Russian children are adopted). "The face of hopelessness on hundreds of orphaned children was forever seered on our minds and we could never be the same", said Jon and Colleen.

Teaming with Natasha's Story Adoption Agency, a Russian church and Christ For Humanity (a humanitarian aid organization), they found it possible to ship humanitarian aid.  They couldn't change the circumstances of these children's lives but they could ease their suffering and bring some joy into their lives.  In April 2002, they shipped four 20' containers of clothing, shoes and toys to the orphanages.

They also wanted to build playgrounds, a soccer field and a basketball court at the orphanages for these children who could only dream of a real playground.  The playgrounds will serve as a long term reminder to the children and the community around them that someone does care about them.  Three play areas will serve over 500 children. $50,000 toward an $80,000 goal has been raised to date.  A joint team of Americans and Russians will build the playgrounds in summer 2003.

Metropolitan United Methodist Church: Dr. Julius Del Pino was already running at home several times a week and shared his interest with two other parishioners: Phillipe and Susan Rodriguez. Dr. Del Pino tried to think of ways to raise money for children in poverty and give hope to the children of Detroit. While fellowshipping and brainstorming, the Rodriguez's suggested that he might want to join them in running the Marathon and use this event to raise funds for the children of Detroit and worldwide.

Last year, Del Pino completed the marathon. This year he hopes to gain support for his newest endeavor; a family life center.  The marathon brings positive attention and people of all races, classes and cultures together in Detroit. At age 55, it is a physical challenge for Del Pino but is gives him the opportunity to put his faith in action.

The marathon is Metropolitan's only large fundraiser.

Multiple Sclerosis:  Thanks to former Free Press publisher Dave Lawrence, MS developed a close relationship with the marathon during the past twenty years. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system.  Symptoms of MS may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be life long.  The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.

In the early 90's an organized team called MSAMS, Michigan Strides against MS began meeting on a regular basis.  They began raising pledges, learned about MS and developed a connection to what they were doing. MS also organizes The MS Walk.  This year it will raise $1.075 million and the MS 150 Bike Tour, will raise more than $800,000

Currently MS provides over 100 services and programs to people of Michigan with MS and their families.

To contact these Organizations:

American Diabetes: www.diabetes.org or 248-433-3830

Arthritis Foundation: www.arthritis.org or 248-424-9001

Freedom Swings: www.freedom-swings.org or (734) 459-2124

Metropolitan United Methodist: www.metroumc.org or 313 875-7407

Multiple Sclerosis Society: www.nmssmi.org or 248-350-0020